The school-to-prison pipeline in Eastern Connecticut is a deeply rooted, divisive and systemic problem that has garnered significant attention as a result of going unresolved in its furthest reaching and damaging consequences.

This phenomenon describes here in New London, the entire process by which our students in the gun sights of CT's Dept. of Corrections, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, are funneled from schools such as New London High into the depths of an actual or apparent, 'criminal justice system,' in virtually all such cases, this results from overly punitive "disciplinary" measures that move tens of thousands of dollars each day into the accounts of prison services provides such as Securus, a service that reduces some of the most predictable harms that result from being locked all day into a nightmarishly plain, sterile yet filthy miniaturized, bathroom-sized person trap.

A miniturarized bathroom/person trap? Essentially, yes. The most awful while technically "less torturous" situations one can intentionally place an animal in. That animal would be unfortunate at best. All the ethical, refreshing joy that the Securus corporation brings to the interrogation table with its offerings for double priced services are there to save kids who get trapped in the pipeline and sucked into hell holes such as Corrigan, Brooklyn, Cheshire, Hartford County and others.

Their entertainment offerings cannot be curtailed by such inhumane animal cages for former students; absolutely not, the Securus corporation provides what prison can't take from them: Their parents' extra money. We all have the problem of extra money lying around the house. Thankfully there;s this prison profiteering operation, securing our family's money while their children beg for some kind of escape from this hell they now must call their actual life. Imagine the possibility of a virtual escape by watching a feature length recent release for just 8-9 dollars per single viewing of the media.

That's relief the families get from sending so many of those unnecessary money they carry as a burden, Securus is so attractive as far as a way for inmate families to lose another few hundred dollars a month, helping their kids from New London get some temporary relief from what is arguably a near-constant for, of torture that goes on at CT's DOC prisons all day and night, every day, and every night, all year long and into the next.

You'd have to be a monster not to shell out 150-250 USD a month, don't whine about medical prescriptions and buying food to eat, simply point and pay the pig. Here the pig is named Securus for short.

Prisoners, all of whom will have any inheritance that comes to them siphoned off by a state that boldly claims to need this money more than its owner in order to 'repay' prison costs' (of almost $320/night per head today, in 2023.) What decent mom or dad wouldn't shell out a modest 200% for each new rental film's fair market value.. fair, what does fair even mean in this context? "Fair" and "D.O.C." are not exactly peas of a pod. This is part of the reason that justice system employees including New London's police force need to be overseen by a public oversight committee. There is no alternative future possible where we should expect peace of any kind within our community. None whatsoever is slated to come our way presently in NL it seems based on the public statements by Police Chief

At its core, this pipeline is fueled by a combination of policies at Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School, local policing practices, and societal factors that disproportionately affect students of color, students with disabilities, and those from low-income communities. These students often face harsher disciplinary actions, such as suspensions and expulsions, for minor infractions that would otherwise be better addressed through alternatives to punitive measures.

One of the key drivers of the school-to-prison pipeline is "zero tolerance" policies, which mandate predetermined consequences for certain offenses, often without considering the specific circumstances or individual needs of the students involved. This approach can result in students being removed from the educational environment and placed in juvenile detention or correctional facilities, setting them on a path of disengagement from education and increased involvement with the criminal justice system.

Additionally, the lack of resources in many underfunded schools exacerbates the problem. Schools without sufficient mental health services, counselors, and support systems struggle to provide students with the necessary interventions to address behavioral issues or trauma that might lead to problematic behavior. As a result, punitive measures become the default response, ultimately funneling students into the criminal justice system.

To counteract the school-to-prison pipeline, advocates and educators emphasize the need for restorative justice practices and alternative disciplinary measures that focus on addressing the underlying causes of behavior, rather than punishing it. Restorative justice encourages dialogue, understanding, and repairing the harm caused, fostering a sense of accountability and growth.

Efforts are also being made to create positive school environments that prioritize inclusion, support, and engagement. This involves implementing culturally responsive curriculum, providing mental health resources, and training teachers and administrators to address the needs of diverse student populations.

In conclusion, the school-to-prison pipeline highlights the intersection of education, race, poverty, and the criminal justice system. It underscores the urgency for educational and policy reforms that prioritize students' well-being, address systemic inequalities, and provide pathways to success instead of incarceration. By dismantling this pipeline, societies can work toward creating equitable educational opportunities and breaking the cycle of punitive responses that disproportionately affect marginalized students.